Instant Broadband
TM
Series
Package Contents
• One EtherFast
®
Cable Modem with USB and Ethernet Connection
• One Power Adapter
• One Power Cord
• One USB Cable
• One RJ-45 CAT5 UTP Cable
• One Setup CD-ROM with User Guide
• One Registration Card
System Requirements
• CD-ROM drive
• PC running Windows 98, Me, 2000, or XP equipped with USB
port (to use the USB connection)
or
• PC with 10/100 Network Adapter with RJ-45 Connection
• DOCSIS 1.0 Compliant MSO Network (Cable Internet
Service Provider) and an Activated Account
2
Chapter 2: Getting to Know the
Cable Modem with USB and
Ethernet Connection
Overview
A cable modem is a device that allows high-speed data access (such as to the
Internet) via a cable TV network. A cable modem will typically have two con-
nections, one to the cable wall outlet and the other to a computer (PC). The fact
that the word "modem" is used to describe this device can be a little mislead-
ing only in that it conjures up images of a typical telephone dial-up modem.
Yes, it is a modem in the true sense of the word since it MOdulates and
DEModulates signals. However, the similarity ends there, as these devices are
much more complicated than telephone modems. Cable modems can be part
modem, part tuner, part encryption/decryption device, part bridge, part router,
part network interface card, part SNMP agent, and part Ethernet hub.
Cable modem speeds vary, depending on the cable modem system, cable net-
work architecture, and traffic load. In the downstream direction (from the net-
work to the computer), network speeds can reach 27 Mbps, an aggregate
amount of bandwidth that is shared by users. Few computers will be capable of
connecting at such high speeds, so a more realistic number is 1 to 3 Mbps. In
the upstream direction (from computer to network), speeds can be up to 10
Mbps. Check with your Cable Internet Service Provider (ISP) for more spe-
cific information about upload (upstream) and download (downstream) access
speeds.
In addition to speed, there's no need to dial in to an ISP when you are using your
Cable Modem. Simply click on your browser and you're on the Internet. No
more waiting, no more busy signals.
Overview
EtherFast
®
Cable Modem with USB and Ethernet Connection
3
Figure 1-1
